Honeymoon destinations are the stuff of dreams, where couples excitedly plan the perfect place to celebrate the beginning of their married lives. As soon as we arrived at Malé Velana International Airport and felt the warm breeze and saw the turquoise waters, we instantly entered honeymoon mode.
Our speedboat ride to Sun Siyam Olhuveli private island resort which sits on the South Male Atoll, was a quick 45 minutes, and from the moment we stepped onto the sleek, polished deck of the speedboat, our adventure began. The engine roared to life, enveloping us in exhilaration as the boat cut through the crystal-clear waters with impressive speed. Sprays of cool, refreshing mist kissed our cheeks while the wind rushed past, whipping our hair into a carefree dance. The sun sparkled on the waves, creating a dazzling display of light, and in the distance, shiny flying fish gained a boost from our speedboat.
The scenery blurred into a picturesque panorama of lush coastlines, vibrant marine life, and distant islands. We couldn’t help but smile as the boat skipped over the waves, each bounce adding a jolt of adrenaline. The experienced captain navigated with skill and ease, occasionally pointing out interesting sights and sharing local stories, making the journey as informative as it was fun. We couldn’t help but laugh at each other as we felt like we were already in heaven.
Whether leaning over the side to catch a glimpse of playful fishes or simply soaking in the sun and scenery, every moment was filled with excitement and wonder. As the speedboat approached Olhuveli resort, we found ourselves wishing the ride could last just a little longer. The experience was a perfect blend of thrill and relaxation, leaving us with unforgettable memories and a desire to do it all over again from the start.
If you’re dreaming of a tropical beach paradise with beautiful white sand, a good book, and a refreshing drink, or if you crave adventure with water sports like snorkelling, diving, jet skiing, and banana boat rides, then Sun Siyam Olhuveli is the perfect destination for you.
Our 4-star resort stay offered us an array of experiences that catered to both relaxation and excitement, a nice mix many would want on their honeymoon. From the moment we arrived, we were swept away by the resort’s charm.
As we stepped off the boat onto the warm, white sand, a smiling resort staff member approached with two beautiful coir fish necklaces. Coir, derived from the husk of coconuts, is commonly used in various crafts and products in the Maldives.
Our welcome drinks were two refreshing coconuts, expertly cut open to reveal the hydrating coconut water inside. The coconut was cool to the touch, and as we took a sip, the sweet, natural taste refreshed us instantly, complementing the tropical surroundings perfectly.
We were escorted to our luxurious grand water villa with a private pool, nestled right on the ocean’s edge via a buggy. Our villa boasted a serene private plunge pool, offering direct access to the shimmering turquoise waters. Eager to embrace the day, we quickly changed into more relaxed attire and took advantage of the morning sun on our secluded deck, savouring every moment of our idyllic surroundings and creating our honeymoon memories from day one.
Our villa was a masterpiece of luxury and seclusion, perched gracefully on stilts above the tranquil waters. With each step onto our private deck, we were greeted by unobstructed stunning views of the endless horizon, where the sky seamlessly met the ocean’s azure depths. The villa itself exuded elegance, blending modern comfort with the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Inside, every detail was meticulously crafted to enhance our stay—a spacious room adorned with local artwork, a plush king-sized bed draped in soft linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic vistas of the Indian Ocean. The bathroom was a sanctuary of indulgence, featuring a rain shower and a freestanding bathtub with his and her vanity sinks.
Outside, our expansive deck offered a sanctuary of its own—an inviting plunge pool for refreshing dips, plush sun loungers for soaking up the warm tropical sun, and a dining area where we could enjoy intimate meals with the gentle lull of the waves as our soundtrack.
In this secluded haven, every moment felt like a cherished escape into paradise, where privacy and luxury harmonised to create an unforgettable retreat above the tranquil waters of the Maldives.
The resort operates efficient buggies that circulate the island every 15 minutes until midnight daily. The staff members were incredibly helpful and radiated a friendly atmosphere, warmly greeting guests each time they passed by, creating a welcoming and homely ambiance throughout the stay—it was truly a lovely feeling.
After soaking up some much-needed sunshine, we were ready to take a walk around the island. We were staying on Dream Island, and true to its name, it was nothing short of dreamy with its own infinity pool and collection of a la carte and buffet restaurants.
After exploring the Dive Centre, we went on to explore Romance Island, another island connected by bridge to main Olhuveli island. All three islands have their own spa, water sports and gym. Tennis and badminton courts are available on Dream Island whilst there is a recreation centre and other facilities on Olhuveli main island. There is a kids’ club for parents with children visiting, as well as a clinic. Additional family-friendly amenities include a dedicated family pool, an underwater park within the lagoon, and an engaging kids’ club tailored for pre-teens. Adults can enjoy peace and quiet at the adults-only infinity pool, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Spanning 52 acres, this island ensures ample space and privacy alongside its exceptional facilities.
The Indian Ocean itself serves as a magical playground, offering opportunities for snorkelling and diving. Guests can also partake in snorkel safaris, dolphin-spotting cruises, and fishing trips, as well as participate in local fishing activities to experience the traditional preparation of the day’s catch.
Around 45 minutes of walking around the islands, we had built up quite an appetite and were eager to eat! We indulged in romantic dinners and lunches at the resort’s various restaurants, eager to try Maldivian food.
Our first experience of the food was at Sunrise Restaurant, where we enjoyed delicious buffet-style breakfasts from 7:30-10:00 am, lunches from 12:30-2:30 pm, and dinners from 6:30-9:00 pm.
Watching the chefs create dishes from around the world at the live cooking stations while the sun set was truly mesmerising. But Sunrise Restaurant was just the beginning. We were fortunate enough to dine at many of the eateries on the resort, to try different cuisines.
Sunrise Restaurant
Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – each buffet-style dining experience left us completely satisfied. The chef delighted us with a variety of international dishes, though we were especially keen on sampling local flavours like Maldivian Mas Huni (Shredded Smoked Tuna), Bis Keemiya (Samosa), and Gaudhiya (Fish Soup), which were scrumptious.
Maghrib
At Maghrib, we savoured freshly grilled seafood and halal steaks from an open-air grill with a warm sea breeze on Dream Island’s beachfront.
Namaste
Namaste offered an open kitchen where we enjoyed mouth-watering, authentic Indian cuisine, including flavourful cabanas and thalis right on the main island’s beachfront. Each dining experience was unique and unforgettable, perfectly complementing our days filled with both relaxation and adventure. We savoured mouthfuls of my favourite dish, pani puri with tangy tamarind sauce.
Siyam Orchid
Siyam Orchid offered an array of fresh Asian flavours through fine dining set over the ocean of the main island—here is where we had the opportunity to see lots of reef sharks, stingrays, Trevally fish, and Snappers. Siyam Orchid offers a perfect blend of Thai, Indian, and Japanese cuisine with Maldivian flavour. We ended up enjoying the recommended halal Chicken satays.
Romantic Floating Platform Dinner
Our dinner on the floating platform was the most unique and romantic experience we’ve ever had. During our four-night stay at Olhuveli, we booked this incredible dinner, knowing it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The secluded platform was beautifully set in the lagoon, offering an intimate dining experience under the night stars. The culinary delights were exceptional. The Wagyu beef main course was outstanding, but the calamari starters, chicken and egg drop soup, and the exquisite cheesecake and chocolate log desserts were equally memorable. It was a magical evening, truly unforgettable.
After eating, we took the buggies back to our villa to wind down and enjoy each other’s company.
The following days were blissfully similar, filled with snorkelling right from our room, strolling to the beach for refreshing mocktails, and unwinding by the sea and pool. The evening entertainment was exceptional. We enjoyed a vibrant array of performances, from rock nights and belly dancers to Eid festivities and cultural programs. It was wonderful to witness a mix of Western acts and authentic Maldivian dance performances, adding a unique and memorable touch to our stay.
SPA
The resort boasts three exquisite spa facilities – one on each island. There is one nestled amidst lush vegetation on the Main Island and the other situated overwater on Dream Island, where we stayed and the third on Romance Island. We indulged in the couple’s spa, which was perfect for helping us unwind and relax. Featuring twin massage beds, rain showers, and luxurious flower baths, we enjoyed a 50-minute full-body massage that nearly lulled us to sleep. The experience was made even more magical by the glass floor, through which we could watch fish swimming below. We were mesmerised by the sight of numerous trevally fish gliding gracefully through the water whilst listening to the humming of Maldivian music.
Eid at Olhuveli
We were fortunate to experience a unique Eid celebration this year at Olhuveli. With a mosque on the premises, as is the case with all Sun Siyam resorts, we began the morning in prayer followed by a delightful breakfast.
By evening, we had the pleasure of attending the Eid food and drink festival at the resort. The festivities commenced with a saxophonist playing into the late hours while we explored a beachfront food market. Each food station offered a variety of delicacies, from exotic fruits like mangoes, watermelon, and papaya to Sri Lankan spiced sambal, daal and prawns, Pakistani kebabs and chana chaat, and Thai noodles and rice.
The festival also featured several Halal mocktails. Events like this created a vibrant atmosphere, allowing everyone at the resort to dine together, enjoy the fantastic weather, and celebrate Eid on the beach.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli truly provided the ultimate honeymoon getaway.
Olhuveli resort is ideal for families with children of all ages and offers half board vs. full board and all-inclusive offerings suitable for everyone. Cards like Visa, Amex, and MasterCard are accepted at the resort, but our advice would be to take some dollars for tipping.
Location & Transport
We booked our flights with Qatar Airways and received excellent service throughout our journey. The flight from Gatwick to Doha took 6 hours, followed by a brief 1.5-hour layover before our 4-hour flight to Malé, Maldives. Remember to collect your Avios Points!
Just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is one of the most conveniently located resorts to visit.
Sun Siyam Resorts
Sun Siyam Resorts offers five exquisite and affordable private island retreats in the Maldives and a boutique beach resort on the east coast of Sri Lanka. At Sun Siyam Olhuveli kids under 15 stay and eat for free on the same board basis as the adults they are sharing with. Prices start from £395 per night for two adults and two children (under 15) staying in a Grand Beach Villa on all-inclusive. Book at sunsiyam.com to unlock exclusive offers.
We hope to visit again soon!
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
